Buying Guides

Holiday book reviews

Buying Guides

Holiday book reviews

Whether you’re looking for inspiration – or just a budget-friendly stocking stuffer of a book – here are five options guaranteed to offer plenty of ideas for stylish winter living. Best part? From decorating to entertaining, cooking to baking, bartending to gifting, all put a DIY spin on holiday verve. Get ready to be inspired!

Who’ll love this gift set: Avid entertainers who actually attach themes to their merry-making – during the holiday season and year-round.

Why: This book takes the guesswork out of throwing (seemingly) effortless get-togethers. From monogrammed napkins to stenciled buckets (for moules frites!) and stacked-vegetable centerpieces, the book gives you the lowdown on how to prop-style like a magazine pro. With recipes, lush photography and back-of-the-book templates, it’s a great resource for hands-on types.

Sample wisdom: Eat a lot of shellfish? Make tea lights by adding wicks and wax to clean, empty oyster and clamshells. They may be tippy, so nestle them in a bed of sand set in a shallow tray or pan.

Why: There’s no reason why cutting waste and protecting our natural resources can’t be synonymous with preparing delicious meals, stylishly decorating for the holidays or exchanging great gifts! From evergreen garlands to Sweet Potato Christmas Enchiladas, recycled cashmere pillows to DIY wool wreaths, this book is chock-full of wonderful holiday inspiration, all of which religiously follow the three R’s.

Sample inspiration: Reduce harmful toxins in our environment by choosing a real, farmed tree, not a PVC fake. Reuse stylish gourmet and organic tea boxes by cutting their cardboard packaging into gift tags. Recycle old scarves, socks and sweaters into a wool wreath.

Why: From Christmas delights to garden party treats, wedding favours to kid-friendly Halloween projects, this book’s got all your cookie/bar/nugget/biscotti/wafer needs covered. Recipes are presented within complete tabletop themes, so you can pick and choose how involved you want to get with your next baking session.

Sample wisdom: If your baking sheets have sides, flip the sheet over and spoon dough onto the back. Cookies will bake more evenly, not to mention slide off the sheet easier when done!

Who’ll love this book: Avid bartenders in search of the next big drink trend

Why: The 60 tongue-tingling recipes in this beautifully photographed little book are tantalizingly perfect for cold Canadian winters. Want the perfect fireside tipple? Consider the Fiery Almond or Spiced Tangerine Caipirinha. The book’s divided by the seasons, so if you get hooked on the magic of sweet-meets-spice this winter, don’t worry: There are plenty of summerlicious cocktails for patio season, too.

Sample wisdom: Balance your flavours. A spicy cocktail should be pleasurable, not an endurance contest! "Heat alone does not make a great drink. Use spicy ingredients to enhance and play off the other flavours in your drink," writes Newman. And keep breads and cheeses out on the table in case anyone needs to cut the heat level in their mouth, fast!

Who’ll love this book: Creative Type As who don’t like to leave their cutout snowflake designs to chance
Why: 'Tis the season for snowflake crafts. You can decorate gifts, tabletops, even windows and mantels with cut-out snowflakes. If you’re not a natural – or want to plan out exactly what each flake will look like – this book offers templates and how-to’s.
Sample wisdom: Get new life out of used wrapping paper by using it for snowflakes. Experiment with tissue and foil paper, too!

DIY Projects

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 essentials

Buying the right presents for the right people takes time and thought. And it’s easy to make your gift wrapping job just as thoughtful as the gift inside. Pretty paper, thoughtful cards, sweet gift tags and even gift toppers can take your presents beyond the usual and turn them into something special. Here are 10 ideas to help get you started.

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Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Candy cane wrapping paper

Instead of traditional red, white and green, add a pop of pink to your holiday packages this year! This pretty paper features a repeat candy cane pattern that’s sweet and whimsical. Illustrated by Canadian artist Lindsay Stephenson, this paper is sure to charm this Christmas. There are three sheets per roll and rolls are shrink wrapped to protect the paper. Candy Cane Wrapping Paper, The Penny Paper Co., $12.

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Red and white twisted rope ribbon

This red and white wrapping twine will instantly add a festive look to all your gifts. It’s also perfect for securing cellophane if you’re preparing plates of baked goods to give. Red and White Twisted Rope Ribbon, Minor Thread on Etsy, starting at $3.25.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Etsy

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Felt snowflake ornamens

Dress up your gifts with pretty ornaments affixed atop with twine or ribbon. These 100% wool snowflake ornaments will not only make every present look special, but they’re also an extra little gift for someone to hang on their tree and think of you for Christmases to come. Felt Snowflake Ornaments, West Elm, $6 for set of 4.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: West Elm

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Winter snow friends gift tags

Printed on luxe paper and featuring an adorable winter-inspired illustration, this gift tag will make a wonderful first impression! Choose from four different paper types to personalize your gift tags just as you like them. Winter Snow Friends Gift Tags, Minted, starting at $30.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Minted

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Holiday snow scene gift wrap

Recreating a vintage-looking holiday scene, this gift wrap from Rifle Paper Co is perfect for dressing up your presents. If you can’t get enough of this pattern, greeting and ornament cards are also available. Holiday Snow Scene Gift Wrap, Rifle Paper Co., $8.50.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Rifle Paper Co.

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Christmas washi tape

Washi tape is perfect for decorating everything from gifts and cards to envelopes before you pop them into the mail. Add your own personal touch to all of your holiday gifts and cards with this variety pack of Washi tape, which features six rolls in different patterns. Christmas Washi Tape, Hobby Hoppers on Etsy, $11.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Etsy

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Holiday wrapping paper gift set

This two-pack gift wrap set comes with a festive plaid pattern and a fun, printed pattern expressing the cheerful sentiments of the season. Printed on premium paper with a satin finish, these co-ordinating papers will add a decidedly chic look to all your gifts this Christmas. Holiday Wrapping Paper Gift Set, Ashley Brooke Designs, $30.

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Everyone was on their phone card

This cheeky Christmas card paints an all too familiar scene for many of us (guilty as charged!). Make friends and family chuckle when you send out these less traditional but highly entertaining holiday cards this season. Everyone Was on Their Phone Card, Indigo, $15.95.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Indigo

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Bunny Christmas gift tags

We have two words for these bunny Christmas gift tags: Simply adorable. This pack of 10 gift tags is professionally printed on white card stock and comes with white and gold metallic twine for an added touch of chic. Bunny Christmas Gift Tags, Paula and Waffle on Etsy, $8.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Etsy

Wrap the prettiest presents under the tree with these 10 new essentials

Oh What Fun! plaid bag

You probably won’t get through the holiday season without needing a gift bag or two so stock up on bags of all sizes to fit those awkwardly shaped gifts or ones you just don’t have time to wrap. This premium bag has sturdy handles so it can bear the weight of a heavy(ish) gift, yet looks stylish all the same. Oh What Fun Plaid Bag, Indigo, $6.

Gift Guides

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

Gift Guides

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

Surprise your favourite caffeine-loving friend or family member with one of these great gift ideas.

Whether they enjoy a morning coffee or an afternoon tea, the caffeine lover on your holiday list is sure to appreciate any of these great gifts. With a wide range of items to help them brew the perfect cuppa, they’ll be happily sipping all holiday season.

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

3 Kitchen canister

This beautiful stoneware canister will ensure your favourite coffee stay fresh to the last scoop. Also available in styles for storing tea, they'll look great in any kitchen. Utility Kitchen Canister, West Elm, $19 - $39.

Image by: West Elm
By: Style at Home
Source: West Elm

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

4 All-in-one porcelain teapot and cup

Designed exclusively for CB2 by SAIC student Hyunsong Melody Lee, this stackable porcelain teapot and cup will make every stylish sip feel special. SAIC tea for one, CB2, $29.95.

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

6 One-touch tea maker

Brew your tea to perfection with the Breville One-Touch tea maker. Not only can it brew tea at five different temperature settings, it also allows you to adjust brew strength between mild, medium and strong. Breville One-Touch tea maker, Williams-Sonoma, $369.

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

9 Novelty mug

You can never have too many mugs, especially when they're as fun as Indigo's Canadian-themed collection. Available for each province, they'll make a great gift for anyone on your list. Canada mug, Indigo, $12.

Image by: Indigo
By: Style at Home
Source: Indigo

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

10 Dessert tea gift set

With flavours like White Chocolate Peppermint and Gingerbread this set of deliciously decadent loose-leaf teas is the perfect treat. Season's Treatings Dessert Tea Sampler, TEAVANA, $40.

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

12 Tub tea

Enjoy some rest and relaxation over the holidays with Tub Tea. Simply steep this soothing blend of chamomile, mint and Epsom salts in hot water and then add it into a warm bath. Unwind Tub Tea, BRIKA, $16.

Image by: CEECEE & BEE
By: Style at Home
Source: CEECEE & BEE

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

13 The world's strongest coffee

Try at your own risk! Said to be the world's strongest coffee, it'll give your caffeine crazed friend or family member a buzz like no other and revolutionize their coffee-drinking experience. Death Wish Coffee, Death Wish Coffee Co., $19.99.

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

14 Hand-stamped tea spoon

With a wide variety of sayings, these hand-stamped vintage spoons will be the perfect addition to afternoon tea. Hand stamped tea spoon, Milk & Honey Luxuries on Etsy, $24.98.

Image by: Etsy
By: Style at Home
Source: Etsy

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

15 Ice coffee maker

Anyone who loves iced coffee (even in the winter) will love Hario’s Fretta V60 ice coffee maker. Remove the ice holder and it can also be used to make hot brew at home. Hario Ice Coffee Maker, Indigo, $35.

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

17 Coffee-themed print

What better way to display your love of coffee than with a gorgeous print! Simple and chic, it's perfect for hanging anywhere in the home. But First, Coffee Print, Swell Made Co., $28.

Image by: Swell Made Co.
By: Style at Home
Source: Swell Made Co.

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

18 Classic kettle

Any tea fanatic knows a good cup of tea starts with a great kettle. Not only is this Le Creuset kettle eye-catching, it also has an innovative heating base compatible with all cooking surfaces, even induction. Classic Whistling Kettle, Le Creuset, $80.

By: Style at Home
Source: Indigo

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

19 Coffee-flavoured chocolate

These delectable milk and dark chocolate treats are filled with a coffee-flavoured centre, making them the perfect treat for any coffee lover. Mocha Melties, Purdys Chocolatier, $14.50.

By: Style at Home
Source: Purdys Chocolatier

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

20 The matcha essentials

We can't forget about matcha! This kit has everything you need to make perfect matcha every time. The Matcha Essentials, DavidsTea, $35.

By: Style at Home
Source: DavidsTea

25 great gift ideas for coffee and tea lovers

21 Cream & sugar set

Any owner of the Chemex Coffee Maker will adore its matching cream and sugar set. Making it the perfect present for someone who's already got his or her go-to brewer. Chemex Cream and Sugar Set, Crate & Barrel, $54.95.

Gift Guides

Stylish Christmas gifts you won't believe are under $50

Gift Guides

Stylish Christmas gifts you won't believe are under $50

Find the perfect gift for anyone on your list with these beautiful gifts all under $50.

We know: Expenses tend to add up over the holidays. From festive decorating to holiday entertaining and gift giving, of course, it’s hard to keep a budget under control. But giving a beautiful gift that will be loved and appreciated doesn’t mean spending a small fortune. Lovely, thoughtful gifts can be inexpensive yet meaningful. To help inspire you, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite gifts under $50!

1 Time For Tea Set: The perfect gift for the consummate tea lover on your shopping list this Christmas! This adorable tea set comes with a mug, a single-serve stainless steel tea infuser and a ceramic stir spoon, all perfectly perched on a wooden tray, making this easy to use any time. Trust us: Any tea lover will love this gift. Time For Tea Set, Indigo, $24.50.

2 All Natural Body Butter: Who doesn’t love the luxurious lather of a moisturizing body butter? This richly formulated, fair trade shea butter has vitamins A and E to quench dry skin and also has sweet almond and avocado oils for added moisture. Plus, this lotion’s hotel-chic packaging makes it a pretty countertop display, too! All Natural Body Butter, Bambeco, $22.

3 6x6 Instagram Collage: Help someone bring their Instagram photos to life with this beautiful Instagram display. Using Masterpix, photos are printed directly onto Corning® Gorilla® Glass, which is really thin, durable and clear. This is a great personalized gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive so they can display some of their favourite photos around the house. 6x6 Instagram Collage, Masterpix, $30.

4 Milk & Rose Glass Taper Candle Holders: Candles are a common Christmas gift but this year, why not give something a little different? These taper candle holders are absolutely exquisite and will delight any hostess who loves to make her table extra special when she entertains. Milk & Rose Glass Taper Candle Holders, White Lilac, $50.

5 Wood Calendar: We love the idea of personalized gifts and this wooden calendar is not only perfectly personal but also very handy heading into the new year. Choose 12 beautiful photos and turn them into a 12-month calendar. The printed pages sit in a handcrafted clipboard made from reclaimed beetle pine. This is a gift that will be treasured for years to come. Wood Calendar, Artifact Uprising, $30.

6 Pryce Bowl: At just $49.95, this bowl looks a lot more expensive than it is. Made of blown glass and featuring a hand painted platinum silver ring around the polished rim, this bowl will make a great centrepiece on any table. Its clean, classic look gives it an enduring appeal and it will look right at home on tables for generations to come. Pryce Bowl, Crate and Barrel, $49.95.

7 Cable Knit Pillow Cover: These super soft cable knit pillow covers are made from 100% organic cotton and will turn any sofa into an ideal napping spot. In a stylish shade of metal grey, this neutral pillow will easily slip into any decor scheme., Plus, check the website for the matching throw! Cable Knit Pillow Cover, Boll & Branch, $45.

8 Striped Marble and Wood Bookend: The bibliophile on your Christmas shopping list is sure to appreciate this gift. These bookends are made in India from interlocking pieces of mango wood and marble so not only will they help keep their bookcases in order, they’ll do so in some serious style! Striped Marble and Wood Bookend, West Elm, $49.